Compact snow melting device

ABSTRACT

A container assembly includes a container including an interior space for holding a substance. A heating element is supported by the container for heating the substance in the interior space. A power source including a manually operated hand crank generator is mountable on the container and connectable to the heating element for energizing the heating element to heat the substance in the interior space.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This present application is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/940,564, filed Feb. 17, 2014, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to insulated beverage containers and more particularly to an insulated beverage container capable of melting snow.

BACKGROUND

Hypothermia occurs when core body falls temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit affecting brain activity, breathing, and heart rate. Hypothermia can kill an unprotected person quickly. In fact, the majority of winter weather deaths in the US are due to overexposure to the cold climate. In the last ten years, over 17,000 deaths in the US were associated with exposure to excessive natural cold.

Being in a car during a winter snow storm can temporarily help to protect you from the elements. However, when a car engine is running, carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless toxic gas, is produced. Although this gas typically exits the car through the exhaust pipe, the exhaust pipe can become blocked with drifting snow, which can result in the carbon monoxide backing up into the cabin of the car. Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and confusion and can kill you in as little as ten to fifteen minutes. Although you can protect yourself from such poisoning by cracking a window open, this in turn lets cold air into the cabin of the car, increasing the risk of hypothermia. In addition, engine operation is dependent on the amount of gas in the tank and thus cannot be run indefinitely. Even though one can run the heater off the car's battery if the engine is not running, it will drain the battery and often faster in colder weather.

Staying warm, however, is not the only thing to be concerned about when caught in a winter snow storm. One must also stay hydrated because dehydration can be fatal in about three days. Although snow is often in abundance in a winter storm, it is not a good source of drinking water since eating un-melted snow will lower your body temperature and bring on hypothermia faster. Winter snow storms tend to catch people off guard or unprepared. Regrettably, passengers often do not have the proper emergency aid items, such as water, with them when they need them. As a result, there is a need for a device for melting snow into drinkable water in such circumstances.

Although coils for heating beverages have been around some time, they have several disadvantages, making them undesirable in a winter storm situation. First and foremost, they require an electrical power source for usage, which may be limited or unavailable. Also, they are extremely dangerous to handle given that maximum temperatures can exceed 212° Fahrenheit. In addition, these devices are made to be used with liquids and not considered safe for use with snow or non-liquid materials. Contamination can also be an issue if the coil is not kept clean or is improperly stored. Portability is also an issue since the heating coil and the cup in which the beverage is heated are sold separately.

Insulated tumblers for storing hot or cold beverages, such as those made by Tervis® or Camelbak®, have been available for some time. These tumblers, however, are designed only to maintain the temperature of the beverage that is being stored in it; they do not cool or heat the beverage, let alone change a substance from one state to another. In fact, their ability to maintain the temperature is sub optimal as the ambient temperature eventually cools hot beverages or warms cold beverages stored in these types of tumblers over time.

Insulated travel mugs that plug into a USB port or a cigarette lighter adapter have more recently been developed to warm beverages while on the go. However, they can only be used when plugged into a car, making them of no use if one is away from one's vehicle. In addition, they can quickly drain a car's battery if plugged in when the engine is off.

Of course, one could melt snow using one's own body heat, such as by placing a scoop of snow in one's hands. However, continued direct exposure to the snow can cause hypothermia to set in faster. Moreover, simply placing a container filled with snow in a warm location (i.e., between your legs) is impractical given the length of time it would take to melt the snow in this manner.

There is therefore a need for a compact, portable and reusable device for melting snow into drinking water to prevent dehydration and hypothermia when stuck in a winter snow storm.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a container assembly generally comprises a container including an interior space for holding a substance. A heating element is supported by the container for heating the substance in the interior space. A power source including a manually operated hand crank generator is mountable on the container and connectable to the heating element for energizing the heating element to heat the substance in the interior space.

In another aspect, a container assembly kit generally comprises a container having an interior space for holding a substance. A heating element is supported by the container for heating the substance in the interior space. A power source is disposed in the interior space and removable from the interior space for mounting on an exterior surface of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate some particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Some embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a snow melting device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment with portions broken away to show internal detail.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the embodiment of the snow melting device of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2.

FIG. 3A is an end view of an embodiment of a power source of the device.

FIG. 3B is a side view of another embodiment of a power source of the device.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the snow melting device with portions broken away showing components of the device in an interior space of the device.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing some embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements, and all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a snow melting device 10. The device 10 comprises of a double walled hollow container 12, a removably coupled lid 14 and a power source 16 removably attached to the container. As further shown in FIG. 2, the walls of the container 12 define an inner receptacle 18 disposed within an outer receptacle 20. The inner receptacle 18 defines a space 26 within the container 12 in which to receive snow. The inner receptacle 18 and the outer receptacle 20 are constructed (such as by blow molding) to form the unitary double-walled container 12 having a leak-proof insulating chamber 22 between an outer surface 15 of circumferential wall 19 of inner receptacle 18 and an inner surface 17 of circumferential wall 21 of outer receptacle 20. With such a configuration, the inner receptacle 18 is thermally insulated from the cold temperatures of the ambient atmosphere. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, inner receptacle 18 and outer receptacle 20 include generally cylindrical sidewalls 19 and 21, respectively, and bottom walls 24 and 28, respectively. Bottom wall 28 is preferably configured such that the container 12 can be free-standing, and outer receptacle 20 and bottom wall 28 are preferably sized and shaped to fit within the cup holder of a car. A top wall 23 defines a rim of the container 12 and extends circumferentially around the top of the container between circumferential walls 19 and 21. The top wall 23, circumferential walls 19, 21, and bottom walls 24, 28 isolate the insulating chamber 22 from the space 26 in the inner receptacle 18 and the surrounding environment. While container 12 can vary in shape and size, it is preferably sized to accommodate at least 10 fluid ounces and preferably compact so as to fit within the glove compartment of a car when not in use.

The outer receptacle 20 can be made from a variety of non-heat conducting material, and the inner receptacle 18 can be made from a variety of heat-conducting materials. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the type of material from which the outer receptacle 20 can be formed include plastic, polycarbonate, or stainless steel. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the type of material from which the inner receptacle 18 can be formed include stainless steel and aluminum. The lid 14 can be made of a variety of materials. While it need not be made of the same material as the inner receptacle 18 and/or outer receptacle 20, for aesthetic reasons it may be made of the same material as the outer receptacle 20. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of the type of material from which the lid 14 can be made include plastic, polycarbonate, or stainless steel.

The lid 14 and outer receptacle 20 of the container 12 are configured to permit selective and non-destructive removal and replacement of the lid 14 on the container 12. With such a configuration, the lid 14 can be removed from the container 12 to allow the snow to be placed in the space 26 of the inner receptacle 18, secured to the outer receptacle 20 when the snow is being melted, and removed when a user wishes to dispense the melted snow (i.e., water) contained therein. When secured to the container 12, lid 14 covers the container 12 to not only restrict the melted snow from exiting the container 12, but to also keep the heat generated from the melting process within the container, as well as prevent the cold temperature from the ambient atmosphere from cooling the snow. The lid 14 and outer receptacle 20 may be constructed in a manner such that the lid 14 can be coupled to and uncoupled from the container 12 in any number of known ways, such as through the use of threads (i.e., twist-top arrangement), or through snap-fit, friction fit or clasp arrangements.

The lid 14 may also include a dispensing mechanism (not shown) which allows the melted snow to be dispensed for drinking without removal of the lid 14. In addition, the lid 14 can be constructed of a size and shape to allow it to be used to gather snow and fill the device without the need to touch the snow with one's hands or gloves.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the insulating chamber 22 includes a heating element 30 helically wound and evenly distributed therein. The heating element 30 is preferably wound and evenly distributed within the insulating chamber from a base of the container 12 to a top of container to provide for even heat distribution throughout space 26 in the container. As shown in FIG. 1, one end of the heating element 30 is electrically connected to the power source 16. As previously mentioned, the insulating chamber 22 is constructed such that it is sealed off from the inner receptacle 18 so none of the snow or resulting melted snow leaks into the chamber 22 from the inner receptacle 18.

The heating element 30 can be made of any electrically conductive material, such as resistance wire, which heats up as current flows through the wire. To prevent dehydration, a person needs to drink more water than he or she loses in a day. Given the average urine output for adults is about 50 ounces a day, and given snow melts at approximately 335 Joules/gram, the voltage of the power source 16 and the resistance of heating element 30 are preferably selected so as to generate the heat necessary to melt at least 30 grams of snow per use.

The details of one exemplary embodiment of the power source 16 of FIG. 1 will now be discussed. The power source 16 may be a manually operated hand crank generator having an outer housing 40 connected to the circumferential wall 21 of outer receptacle 20, and a crank arm 42 which when in an operating position as shown in FIG. 1 is rotatable 360°. Although the connection between the housing 40 and the circumferential wall 21 may be permanent, the circumferential wall 21 of the outer receptacle 20 and the housing 40 are preferably configured to permit selective and non-destructive connection and disconnection of the housing 40 to the container 12. For example, the circumferential wall 21 of the outer receptacle 20 may have a first connector (not shown) and the housing 40 of the power source 16 may have a second connector (not shown) for connecting and disconnecting the power source 16 to and from the container 12, respectively. With this configuration, the power source 16 can be removed from the container 12 and stored in the space 26 when not in use. The housing 40 may also include a recessed area (not shown) in the shape of the crank arm 42 for receiving the crank arm 42 when it is in its resting position.

The hand crank generator 16 includes a generator 50 housed within the housing 40 for converting the mechanical energy created by turning the crank arm 42 into electrical energy. An output 52 of the generator 50 is electrically connected to the heating element 30 and delivers power to the heating element when the crank arm 42 is rotated. The hand crank generator 16 is capable of generating at least six volts of power and preferably twelve volts of power. With a twelve volt configuration, it would take a user approximately five minutes of cranking the crank arm 42 to melt 100 grams of snow.

In yet another embodiment of the power source 16, the housing 40 may include a receptacle or compartment 53 (FIG. 3B) for receiving batteries so that the device 10 can be battery-operated. With such an embodiment, the housing 40 includes an ON/OFF switch (not shown) electrically connected to the batteries for turning the device 10 on and off.

In another embodiment of the power source 16, the housing 40 may include a female USB port 54 (FIG. 3A) for connecting the container 12 to either a male USB port of the vehicle, or to the cigarette lighter of the vehicle through a male USB-cigarette lighter adapter (not shown), such as the Power Jolt car chargers for micro/mini USB devices made by Griffin Technology. In such a configuration, the device 10 includes a male-to-male USB cord (not shown) which can be stored in the space 26 when the device 10 is not in use. The male-to-male USB cord may also be simply removed from the space 26 when the device 10 is in use and powered by batteries or via the hand crank generator.

The location of the female USB 54 port may be positioned at any suitable location on the housing 40 of the power source 16. In yet a further embodiment, one end of the heating element 30 may include a female USB port (not shown) housed within the chamber 22 but which abuts the outer wall of the outer receptacle 20. In this configuration, container 12 can be plugged into either a male USB port of the vehicle, or to the cigarette lighter of the vehicle through a male USB-cigarette lighter adapter (not shown), such as the Power Jolt car chargers for micro/mini USB devices made by Griffin Technology, via the male-to-male USB cord, thereby eliminating the need for a hand crank generator.

As described herein, the device 10 can be powered from three different sources of power; namely manually through the hand crank generator, with batteries, or via the car's battery. It can also be appreciated that both the battery-operated and the USB/cigarette lighter versions of the power source 16 can significantly reduce the time required to melt the snow.

In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 16 is shown attached to the container 12 near a base of the container. The power source 16 may be positioned at any suitable location on the container 12 so that a user can hold the container 12 in one hand while rotating the crank arm 42 of the hand crank generator with the other hand. In one embodiment, the power source 16 is positioned near the base of the container 12 as shown in FIG. 1. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing 40 of the power source 16 may be hingedly connected to the container 12 and cylindrically shaped like the container 12 and of a diameter such that it can pivoted to the bottom wall 28 of the outer receptacle 20 to form a base of the container 12 when a user is finished cranking the crank arm 42 so that the container 12 can fit in a cup holder with the power source attached to the container. In this embodiment, the base of the container 12 and/or the housing 40 include mechanism(s) for securing the power source 16 to the base of the container 12. In addition, a portion of the output 52 of the generator may be housed in a retractable cord (not shown) allowing the power source 16 to pivot. In another embodiment (not shown), the power source 16 is positioned toward the upper part of the container 12 so that when in use, the base of the container 12 can fit in a car's cup holder with the power source attached to the container.

The power source 16 is sized so as to be able to house the necessary parts (i.e., gears, generator, etc.) to produce at least 6 volts of power and preferably 12 volts.

In operation, a user places snow in the space 26, either through the use of the lid 14 or with his or her hands. Once filled, the user secures the lid 14 to the top of the container 12 and turns the crank arm 42 of the hand crank generator 16 to generate a current in the heating element 30. As the user cranks the crank arm 42, the snow is heated and begins to melt into drinking water. In addition, cranking the crank arm 42 further warms the body of the user and help stave off hypothermia. Once all the snow has melted, the user can remove the lid 14 and begin drinking the water. With the battery-operated embodiment, the user simply turns the ON-OFF switch to the ON position to activate the device 10, and then to the OFF position to turn the device 10 off. With the car-operated embodiments, the user simply connects the device 10 to the female USB port or the cigarette lighter of the vehicle (through the USB-cigarette lighter adapter) to turn it on, and then unplugs it when the snow has melted into drinking water.

Referring to FIG. 4, the device 10 is preferably self-contained such that instructions 60 on use and the amount of water required to keep a person adequately hydrated to avoid dehydration, as well as all the parts necessary to operate it in its different power modes (i.e., power source 16, male-to-male USB cord 62, and USB-cigarette lighter adapter 64) can be stored within the space 26 when not in use.

Although the invention has been described as a snow melting device, the manually operated (i.e., hand crank generator) embodiment of the invention has applicability outside the winter storm setting. Specifically, one need only attend an outdoor sporting event when outdoor temperatures start to dip to appreciate the need for a container that not only provides insulation for a hot beverage, but also maintains the temperature of the beverage contained therein over time without the need for being close to an electrical power source. With this embodiment, the container 12 may include a temperature indicator 66 (FIG. 4) to communicate the temperature of the beverage contained therein so a user knows when it has achieved the desired temperature.

Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation and other embodiments of the invention are possible. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container assembly comprising: a container including an interior space for holding a substance; a heating element supported by the container for heating the substance in the interior space; and a power source including a manually operated hand crank generator mountable on the container and connectable to the heating element for energizing the heating element to heat the substance in the interior space.
 2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an inner wall defining the interior space and an outer wall radially spaced from the inner wall forming a chamber between the inner and outer walls, the heating element being disposed in the chamber.
 3. The container assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner wall is formed from a heat conducting material and the outer wall is formed from a non-heat conducting material.
 4. The container assembly of claim 2, wherein the heating element comprises a helically wound resistance wire extending around an outer surface of the inner wall.
 5. The container assembly of claim 4, wherein the heating element is evenly distributed within the chamber and extends generally from a base of the container to a top of container to provide for even heat distribution throughout the interior space in the container.
 6. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior space is sized to hold at least about 10 fluid ounces.
 7. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the power source is releasably mountable on the container.
 8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the power source is mountable near a bottom of the container.
 9. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the power source is configured to generate at least six volts of power.
 10. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a housing, the generator being enclosed in the housing.
 11. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a female USB port for connecting to a supplemental power source for powering the generator.
 12. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the housing includes a battery receptacle for receiving batteries for powering the generator.
 13. The container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a temperature indicator on the container for measuring a temperature of the substance in the interior space of the container.
 14. The container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a lid mountable on the container to cover the interior space of the container.
 15. A container assembly kit comprising: container having an interior space for holding a substance; a heating element supported by the container for heating the substance in the interior space; and a power source disposed in the interior space and removable from the interior space for mounting on an exterior surface of the container.
 16. The container assembly kit of claim 15, further comprising a USB cord disposed in the interior space of the container.
 17. The container assembly kit of claim 15, further comprising a USB adapter disposed in the interior space of the container.
 18. The container assembly kit of claim 15, further comprising a lid mounted on the container and covering the interior space of the container. 